Victorian Needlework Pastoral Scene of Girls Collecting Water at a Cistern

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Description

On offer is an antique Victorian-era needlepoint tapestry dating from the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1850–1880).
The needlework depicts a … Read more On offer is an antique Victorian-era needlepoint tapestry dating from the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1850–1880).
The needlework depicts a romanticized, pastoral scene of two figures in a rustic setting beside what appears to be a stone cistern. A woman wears a white chemise and apron, a red bodice and a long flowing blue-and-white skirt. She leans next to a younger girl wearing a pink apron skirt over a blue one. The pair are focused on a large brown earthenware jug filling with water—all evoking themes of daily rural life, water-bearing, or a brief rest during a workday. The scene is framed by stylized rustic trees and foliage against a dark, contrasting background canvas to make the vibrant wool threads pop.
This piece was hand-worked using highly intricate, tight stitching. The exceptionally small scale of the stitches across the figures' clothing and faces indicates this is petit point stitching rather than standard grospoint needlepoint. This technique required immense patience and a high level of technical proficiency. The work is rendered in fine wool yarns, possibly with silk highlights, stitched onto a mesh canvas ground.
The artwork is housed in its period-appropriate giltwood cushion frame featuring a distinctive top-hanging loop ring. The texture and cracking across the gold leaf surface indicate original, authentic age and historic character.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. Unframed dimensions: 14” high x 12.5” wide. See less